Graduation Deadlines

Degrees are awarded three times per year at MIT: June, September, and February. Commencement exercises only take place in June. Students awarded degrees in February or September have the option of
participating in Commencement in the June following their degree completion. A Doctoral Hooding Ceremony takes place the day preceding Commencement.

Highlights of Semester Deadlines for Advanced Degree Candidates

June Candidates

September Candidates

February Candidates

Degree application deadline

Friday of 1st week of term

Friday of 1st week of term

Friday of 1st week of term

Apply for OPT, if international

Mid-February

By beginning of December

Deadline to establish doctoral Thesis Examination Committee

Mid-March

Early July

Early December

Thesis Title info due

Late March

Early July

Early December

Schedule Doctoral Thesis Defense

April

July

January

Thesis due

Early May

End of 1st week in August

Mid-January

Deadline to go off degree list

By end of 3rd week in May

Mid-August

Mid-January

A complete list of thesis deadlines for the current year may be viewed and printed.

Instructions

Extensions

The thesis submission deadline for each semester is posted on the MIT
Academic Calendar. Extensions of this deadline are approved only
under unusual circumstances, generally only for reasons beyond the
student's control. To apply for an extension, have the following sent
to the Graduate Co-Chairs: (1) an email explaining the reason for the
extension, and (2) an email from the advisor recommending the extension.